Arizona Court Reviews DUI Ruling

In a controversial new development, the Arizona Supreme Court has said it will review a lower court’s ruling that allowed a Scottsdale police crime lab to use results of blood-alcohol tests as evidence against a dozen DUI defendants.

For years, defendant’s attorneys have strenuously denied the ability to use the results of many of the methods used to test citizens for alcohol use when they are stopped for driving under the influence. In order to address these issues, the Supreme Court agreed to schedule oral arguments on the case in upcoming weeks.

The state Court of Appeals’ decision in early 2013 had previously erased a Maricopa County Superior Court judge’s ruling. The ruling had addressed the reliability of blood-testing equipment used by the Scottsdale crime lab. Many DUI defendants and their attorneys had questioned the equipment used and whether or not it properly accessed alcohol levels.

The Appeals’ judge ruled that the lab had not applied testing principles properly and that the blood tests were not admissible in court. The Court of Appeals over ruled that decision stating that the results were admissible. Consequently, a legal hold on a dozen defendants’ cases was lifted and the cases were allowed to proceed.

DUI Laws In Arizona

Arizona DUI laws are extremely strict for multiple purposes. Public officials and lawmakers want safety to be a top priority and keeping drunk drivers off the roads is one of those priorities. Historically, significantly high numbers of DUI accidents and alcohol related deaths have caused this crack down by authorities for drivers suspected of drinking and driving.

The threshold for blood alcohol content or BAC in Arizona drivers is .08%. This means that drivers having a BAC at or over 0.8% who are pulled over will be arrested and charged with Driving Under The Influence (DUI). Moreover, refusing chemical testing can result in a fine and automatic suspension of a driver’s license. Drivers should be aware of their rights and know that by law they can talk to a lawyer before allowing a chemical test. Drivers should also remember, if they are arrested, saying less if better because it provides less evidence for an officer to use against you in a DUI case.

DUI Help In Tempe AZ Is As Close As The Weingart Firm

Many drivers deal with the decision to drink and drive at some point in their lives. But before you get behind the wheel, you should know that a DUI conviction could change your life forever. A conviction for drinking and driving is expensive and could impact nearly every part of your life. Luckily, drivers have the Weingart Firm, where the attorneys strive to provide each and every client with excellent services in every DUI case. If you or someone you know has been charged with Driving Under The Influence, you should not delay. Contact Weingart Law Firm now! Every second counts in developing an effective defense for your DUI case. Our aggressive and skilled attorneys have many years of experience in DUI law and will work to help you fix your situation. Call our offices today to schedule a DUI consultation. We are ready to help you now.